Sinn Féin - On Your Side

Speaking after the Fianna Fáil facilitated the government to vote down Sinn Féin’s Seanad motion to annul the statutory instrument that has led to increased bin charges in the Dáil today Sinn Féin Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh said;

“The simple message that has to go out tonight regardless of the result is that it was possible to repeal the mechanism that allowed private bin companies to fleece ordinary families but Fianna Fáil facilitated the government to defeat our motion.

“There is a clear mechanism – within 21 sitting days of a Statutory Instrument being laid before the House, the Seanad can repeal it.

“Fianna Fáil had an opportunity to give real meaning to their rhetoric by supporting a motion that can get results for those hard working families they so often refer to and claim that they represent.

“We asked for the support of all parties and none – to help get rid of bad legislation, it is no surprise that the 'new politics' has an old look about it.

“If it is bad legislation you get rid of it.

“Suspending the charges for a year gives little comfort to those who feel that they are constantly under pressure – just like the water charges people will continue to resist that which is unjust.

“It is our task now to inform the public of the stance that was taken by those that promised them so much a few months ago.

“We will continue to push the Government and their Fianna Fáil facilitators and oppose those measures that unfairly punish the most vulnerable in society.”